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Bypassing the Ignition Interlock Device

I am writing regarding the dangers of tampering with, bypassing, disconnecting, or attempting to circumvent, in any way, breath alcohol ignition interlock devices; such action could cost you your license and result in criminal charges.

Because of Melanie’s Law, Massachusetts drivers who have 2 or more DUI convictions on their records and who are reinstating after January 1, 2006, the effective date of the ignition interlock requirements of Melanie’s Law must have the devices installed in any vehicle which the subsequent offender owns, leases, or operates. Interlock usage will be mandatory during the term of any Massachusetts hardship license and for 2 years thereafter.

The ignition interlock device is a fuel-cell based electronic device which is designed to prevent a vehicle from starting if his or her blood alcohol content registers above a certain limit. In Massachusetts, that limit is set by Registry regulation at .02, a very low threshold.

Ignition interlock devices were built to resist and record any attempt to tamper with or circumvent them. They are equipped with memories which record any loss of power, low voltage, high voltage, battery disconnection, remote head disconnection and other similar occurrences. Ignition interlocks used in Massachusetts have special tamper seals which will show if an interlock device was opened without authorization. The Mass. RMV takes a zero tolerance approach to interlock violations and the simple act of temporarily disconnecting the remote head may result in a 10 year license revocation.

Ignition interlock devices are prone to false positive readings and having to use one can be inconvenient and embarrassing. Bypassing the interlock device may be tempting. However, the interlock was designed to resist and record any attempt to bypass or defeat it. It is highly likely that any attempt to bypass the interlock device will be detected at the monthly monitoring appointment and reported forthwith to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Mass. RMV Lawyers is not a government agency or affiliated with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles or any DMV. You can reach the suspension section of the Mass. RMV at 857-368-8200 and you can reach the Mass. Board of Appeal at 617-521-7794.

This web site presents general information about Massachusetts RMV Lawyers and it is not intended as legal advice and it should not be considered or relied upon as such. Contacting Mass. RMV Lawyers by email or telephone will not establish an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through mutual agreement and with written communication of the legal fee and terms of representation. Absent current confirmation of engagement, any information or documents transmitted by you to us will not be treated as confidential, secret, or protected in any way. The contents of this web site is considered attorney advertising and Attorney Brian E. Simoneau is responsible for its content. Mass. RMV Lawyers is not a state agency or affiliated with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. We are private practice attorneys who assist clients with Massachusetts License Reinstatement and Hardship License cases. If you are attempting to reach the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Driver Control Unit (Suspension Department), you can call the RMV at 857-368-8200. You can reach the Board of Appeal of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance at (617) 521-7794.